Salud vaginal y vulvar

Thrush (yeast infection)

Revisado: 4 de octubre de 2026

Solo en inglés por ahora

Thrush is a common yeast infection that causes itching and thick white discharge. It is not classed as an STI, and antifungal treatment usually clears it within 1 to 2 weeks.

What thrush is

Thrush is caused by candida, a yeast. Yeasts are a kind of fungus. Candida is normally harmless. It grows best in warm, moist places, and thrush can develop when the natural balance in the vagina changes. Thrush is common. After bacterial vaginosis (BV), it is one of the most common vaginal infections. It is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but sex can trigger it and, less often, pass it on.

Signs of thrush

The most typical sign is white discharge that looks like cottage cheese and does not usually smell. You may also have itching and irritation around the vulva and vagina, and soreness or stinging during sex or when you pee. A fishy smell points more to BV, and green, yellow or frothy discharge can be a sign of an STI. These need different treatment, so it helps to be sure what you have.

What makes thrush more likely

Thrush is more likely if you are taking antibiotics or have taken them recently. It is also more common during pregnancy, and in people who use hormonal contraception or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Diabetes that is not well controlled raises the chance, and so does a weak immune system, for example from HIV or cancer treatment (chemotherapy). Skin around the vulva that is irritated or damaged can also make thrush easier to start.

How it is treated

Thrush is treated with antifungal medicine. This can be a tablet you swallow, such as fluconazole, a tablet you put into your vagina (pessary), or a cream to ease irritation on the skin. Symptoms usually go within 1 to 2 weeks of starting treatment. If a doctor has diagnosed thrush in the past and you recognise the signs, you can buy treatment from a pharmacy. Ask the pharmacist which option suits you. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, see a doctor or nurse before using any thrush treatment.

Helping to prevent thrush

Wash the area with water and a plain moisturising cream (emollient) instead of soap or shower gel, and dry well afterwards. Wear cotton underwear, and avoid tight underwear or tights. Do not use douches or deodorants on your vulva or in your vagina. If thrush keeps coming back, a note of when it happens can help a doctor or nurse look for a pattern.

When to see a doctor or nurse

See a doctor or nurse if you have signs of thrush for the first time. Also see one if you are under 16 or over 60, or pregnant or breastfeeding. Get checked too if treatment has not worked, if thrush keeps coming back (more than 4 times in 12 months), or if you have a weakened immune system. A doctor or nurse may take a small sample of discharge to check the cause and can suggest other treatment if needed.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have thrush symptoms for the first time, or they keep coming back, see a doctor or nurse.